Title

Author

Date of Award

6-2010

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Geography

First Advisor

Dr. Benjamin Ofori-Amoah

Second Advisor

Dr. Jordan Yin

Third Advisor

Dr. Gregory Veeck

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Campus Only

Abstract

This research is study of evaluation methods used to evaluate community development plans. There has never been a uniformly accepted method of evaluation for plans in the field of planning, making it hard determine what a "quality" plan is. Many different strategies for evaluation have been suggested in the past decade. The two methods that have become most widely used in the past decade are the rational and pragmatic evaluation methods. The purpose of this thesis is to provide an analysis of the two most common evaluation methods using the Vision Cedar Rapids plan as a case study.

Vision Cedar Rapids is evaluated using both the rational and pragmatic evaluation methods simultaneously. By using two different techniques to evaluate the same plan, not only can the strengths and weaknesses of the plan itself be established, but comparisons between the two evaluation methods can also be made. In comparing the two methods of evaluation, the strengths and weaknesses of both the rational and pragmatic methods are identified. Recommendations are then given on how to move forward in creating an evaluation method that can bring more validity to the field of planning.